Ford Balances Luxury and Performance with the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport - For Less

The 2016 Ford Explorer Sport may have a lot in common with
the Range Rover, but it’ll cost you about $60,000 less to get in it. Let’s start with the exterior. Ford has
strategically placed the “Explorer” badge across the engine bonnet (yes I say
engine bonnet, I’m from N.S.), quite similar to how “Range Rover” is displayed.
Coincidence? I think not. The exterior shape of the Explorer is quite similar
to the Range, only a little more classic, less curves. It’s quite nice, very appealing
to the eye. It has sex appeal.

When I first opened the driver side door my eyes were immediately
drawn to the black leather perforated seats, lined with red stitching. Very
racy, classy and again, sexy. The over-the-top luxurious interior trim of the
Range Rover was lacking – no leather detailed dash or side door panel, complete
with perfect stitching – it’s all plastic here, except the door panels, there’s
a bit of the red stitched leather continued throughout, but for the most part
it still looks really good! Definitely didn’t have the cheaper North American
feel.

You get the push start engine, paddle shifters, heated seats
in the front and back, but the drive stick is still there, it hasn’t yet been
replaced by a more modern dial. Beautiful full size, panoramic moon roof,
intelligent 4WD with terrain management system, reverse sensing system and a
universal garage door opener.

Here’s where Ford REALLY blew me away. There are two sets of
back seats. At first glance you think there is only one. That’s because Ford
has created a flawless design that tucks the second rear seating away, making
it flush with the rest of the trunk space. And guess what? There’s no pulling
or pushing to do this. A series of buttons in the trunk allows you to lay down,
tuck away and upright the seats with ease. I’ve yet to see this system in any
other vehicle. Love it!

Ford also is known for their foot activated tail gate.
Another smart, useful invention. Hands full from shopping? No problem, wave
your foot under the tail gate and the trunk “magically” opens. Well, not really
magic, but you get the point.

I continue to have a beef with Ford’s side and front
collision alerts. They’re just not consistent. Sometimes they worked, but not
always. I’ve never seen this happen in any other manufacturer’s vehicles, but
it’s been consistent with Ford… Lincoln being the exception.

You may not get 510 HP like you would with the Range Rover,
but do you really need it in an SUV? Or a car for that matter… last I checked
we didn’t have an Autobahn. The Explorer gives you 365 HP, I found that was
plenty of pick up. It’s a V6 with an Eco-boost engine, the posted is 14.9 city
and 10.7 hwy; it was excellent on gas.

I didn’t look into it, but I’d say Ford knew what they were
doing by creating a cheaper version of the highly sought after Range Rover. In
my opinion, they nailed it! I’d buy it. Nothing wrong with a lot of luxury on a
moderate budget. (2016 Ford Explorer Sport sells for about $56,000)